Djokovic prepares for his “homecoming”. “When I step out on Centre Court, it awakens something in me and I’m able to compete at the highest level”

As in many previous years, Novak Djokovic has not played a single warm-up match on grass before Wimbledon, but the seven-time champion is feeling very confident.

Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2023 Action Plus/Panoramic

Simon Cambers

July 1, 2023

Just three weeks after his victory at Roland Garros, synonymous with an all-time record 23rd Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic will be back in action at Wimbledon on Monday. The Serb, a seven-time winner of the tournament, is also the four-time title holder in London, where he has not lost since 2017 (by retirement).

On Monday, as defending champion, he will logically open the proceedings on Centre Court, a court where he hasn’t lost in ten years! Andy Murray was the last man to beat him, in the 2013 final. Since then, he has won 39 consecutive matches, the longest winning streak on Centre Court in history.

“When I enter the Centre Court, I guess it just awakens something in me and I’m able to perform at a very high level,” Djokovic said.

“This tournament was always a dream for me as a kid, so… Even though I’ve had a lot of success here in my career, played this tournament so many times, I still feel like that young Novak who comes to the tournament and can really live his dream. It’s an extraordinary tournament, the greatest in my eyes. Of course, I’m very excited about starting Wimbledon 2023.”

DJOKOVIC: “AFTER ROLAND-GARROS, I WAS ALREADY THINKING ABOUT MY PREPARATION ON GRASS”

Although he enjoyed a few days alone with his wife after the French Open and then with his children, Novak Djokovic did not really celebrate his 23rd Grand Slam title. The Serb, who is always hungry for victories and records, was already thinking about Wimbledon and a potential eighth title in London, as many as Roger Federer. A goal that motivates him.

“I don’t feel more relaxed, to be honest (smiling),” he said. “I still feel hungry for success, for more Grand Slams, more achievements in tennis. As long as there’s that drive, I know that I’m able to compete at the highest level. If that goes down, then I guess I’ll have to face probably different circumstances and have a different approach.

“The tennis season is such that it doesn’t really give you much time to really reflect or enjoy. Of course, I did enjoy with my family, but not for so long. Even though, of course, a lot of people are coming up to me and congratulating me, reminding me of the historic success, which is nice of course, it’s very flattering, but at the same time my mind was already and is already directed towards Wimbledon, what’s the next slam, what’s the next task.

“So, yeah, that’s where I am. Of course, part of me is very, very proud and very thrilled to be able to be in this position and have 23 slams. I want to try to use every Grand Slam opportunity I have at this stage where I’m feeling good in my body, feeling motivated and playing very good tennis, to try to get more.”